Our Founder
Don Bosco
'Father & Teacher of Youth'
John Bosco, commonly known as Don Bosco, was born in1815 at Becchi, a village near Turin, Italy. He lost his father at the age of two. His childhood was steeped in poverty and even though he liked to study, he could not pursue his dream due to fierce opposition from his step brother Anthony. However his mother encouraged and supported Him to pursue his dream. He eventually had to leave home, work for his needs and pursue his studies as best as he could.
Through heroic sacrifices and by dint of hard work he was able to complete his studies and seminary training and became priest in1841. As aspires they dedicated himself to the service of boys, especially the poor by offering them food, lodging and education. Through the help of generous persons, he opened technical schools, hostels and other institutions. Soon he founded a society of collaborators and extended his work to all Europe and even to other continents.
Don Bosco died on January 31, 1888 at the age of 73. He was declared a Venerable by Pope Pius X, on July 21, in 1907 and a saint by Pope Pius XI, in 1934. Pope Paul II called him “Father and Teacher of Youth”.
Educational System:
"The Preventive System"
He saw his Religious Society grow up into a big organization with three main branches. The Fathers and Brothers who take care of boys, the Sisters who take care of girls, and the Co-operators who while living with their families, continue to work for the welfare of the young Don Bosco called his educational project “The Preventive System.” It is entirely based on “Reason, Religion and loving Kindness”. It follows the words of St. Paul, “Charity is patient, kind, it bears all things, and endures all things” (1Cor.13:4-7).
The work of this humble priest has grown from a tiny seed into a large tree. The society he founded now numbers over 17,561 members working in over 132 countries through 3,512 institutions. From Sodertaije in Sweden, just below the Arctic Circle, from New York to San Francisco, to Hongkong and Bangkok and on to Rangoon, Kolkata, Guwahati. Kokrajhar, Cairo and around the world, they bring care and concern of the many Salesian friends and supporters to over two million boys and girls.
In India alone, the year 2500 Salesians serving the educational needs of our children through 300 centers scattered throughout the country. The Salesian Family (consisting of the societies founded either by Don Bosco or his disciples) has a total membership of over 50,000 brothers, youth, clubs, parishes, homes for young people in need and a great variety of activities, all geared towards helping the Young to achieve happiness in this life and the next.
